2018 New Year Resolution

Making a new year resolution is something I usually never did because no sooner would I make a resolution and puff, it was broken!   But I'm going to begin anew!  I'll share what that is this year. 

It never fails that whenever I write the first few checks of a new year I don't remember that it is a new year and end up writing the old year.  So, I'm keeping it simple: my resolution is to be attentive that it now is 2018 and that is what I'll write, not 2017!  How about you? 

Seriously, with the passing of several friends, acquaintances and others this past year I really plan to cherish those close to my heart, reach out more and let them know what they mean to me.  This last year seemed like about 14 days, not 365 days long and the days rush by all too quickly, especially when illness creeps in and death takes over.

I want to thank each of you who took the time to read, "like" and "share" my blog posts. Hopefully I have had some "pearls" in the posts that have inspired you in some small way. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

So, from my heart and house to yours, may 2018 be healthy and blessed and abundant with love from friends and family. Happy New Year to you and yours!  May God, our Creator, bless and keep you near to His heart!  

I am a spiritual director and am able to see clients in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI.  If you are interested in doing spiritual direction with me, contact me at: 920.793.3530. To subscribe to my blog and posts see: MollyLaFond.com or scroll all the way down and insert your email address. Consider gifting yourself with engaging in spiritual direction this new year!  

Ho Ho Ho!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, whether we are ready or not! There is enough snow on the ground for the white Christmas most hope for and no blizzard in sight. It's cold though at +5 zero. To those who will be home for the holidays, may your time with loved ones be merry and peace filled. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

A bright note just showed up on Facebook from a friend of mine, "Spring is in the air.  Today we will have 10 seconds more daylight than we had on December 21, 2017."  Doesn't that put a smile on our face?  

So, from our house and hearts to yours, Merry Christmas to all...and to all a good night! God bless each and every one of you!  

Christmas

The other day one of my good friends asked me if I was all ready for Christmas.  Well, nearly everyone asks that question, however, am I the only one who is NOT ready for Christmas; the clutter is enough to make me want to run and everything is coming faster than I am keeping up.  And then there are more dishes, more errands...and don't forget the snow.  I have stopped listening to weather channels!

I am very blessed to have the husband I do because it really doesn't matter to him what the day brings, whether or not the house looks like "Good Housekeeping" or not.  As long as he can get out the door to go through the park, check for deer and sit and watch the lake while he says his rosary, he's happy!  Also, his gourmet meal is a peanut butter and banana sandwich!  Tonight I fixed tomato soup and buttered toast; he smacked his lips!  

So, why am I fretting?  Why am I doing this to myself? It's only me putting these expectations on myself! Of course, I was gone most of the day and I'm feeling overwhelmed seeing everything to be done in the house.  Maybe now that I have the shopping all completed I can sit and take some quiet time to really reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, the coming of the Christ child. That really is what it's all about. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

This season is not about when the days begin to get lighter, but to know Who the One is who dispels that darkness and radiates truth and the love of God.  It's Jesus, the real reason for this season. Only 5 days are left but it's never too late to get the inside of our own "house" ready! 

Horse Shoes

Oh boy!  Bet you looked at this title and wondered "what is Molly up to with this one!" Yep, horse shoes.  Ever watch a horseshoe be made: A good hot fire, pounding at the anvil, more firing, more hammering, shaping, then cooling in a bucket of water..quite a process.  But afterward, a wonderfully, strong, supportive shoe for a horse to support its walking and running. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

Pondering over various friends' posts on Facebook and then looking back over "life" of others as well as myself, not one of us has not been in a "hot fire, pounding, hammering and shaping."  Each story is different, the details really don't matter.  When we're in the middle of this process don't we want to run, scream, avoid and complain? I know I do. 

But then something marvelous happens and we may not even realize it for some time afterward. I have seen hearts open up with understanding, ears "hear" a whole lot better, and one's vision can see a much broader picture of life. Judgementalism decreases, tolerance increases and peace and harmony grow. 

This in return can have a ripple effect on those around us, especially when we can relate to their struggles.  Yes, we each know what meanness and cruelty feel like, we know what bullying feels like...in some way or other, we have been there probably.  But the bigger picture questions how that has made each of us a better person, able to minister to a suffering person who is in the middle of the heat. That might be in the form of a comment, encouragement or an action on our part.

It takes courage and bravery to speak up, speak out, say "stop" knowing it is the next right thing to do.  Peace at all costs is not real peace.  Our past, as challenging as it may have been, can be a real gift in the present. 

Have you ever just sat and looked back on your past, the good times and the bad.  Some times we'd like to erase those awful times, the trying, frustrating, shame-filled times but what conclusion do we come to?  Have those times shaped us into the truly wonderful person we are, the strong, understanding person we are?  Are we grateful for the better person we have become or in the process of becoming? 

That's why I thought of horse shoes!  The fire, pounding and heat can make us a stronger and a very brave and courageous individual, if we let it! Let us not regret the past, nor with to shut the door on it. It's the past that has made me the person I am. How about you? Think about it!  

If you would like to discuss how life has put you in a place, like pounding of a horse shoe, I can be reached at 920.793.3530. If you would like to subscribe to my web, see: MollyLaFond.com and go to the "Contact" section, or scroll all the way to the bottom here and enter your email address.  I can see clients in either Two Rivers or Crivits, WI. 

Abigail

Abigail just came and went, dumping 10" of white, fluffy snow here in Two Rivers.  It didn't pay to try and get a jump on shoveling because of the wind. However, a neighbor came through last evening with his snowblower which helped for a little while. 

A snowy day!

My husband and I were waiting for our "snow guy" who told us he will be here at 0430 today to take care of shoveling.  At 0530, no one!  The sidewalks looked as snow covered as ever and the plow had just been through, making a packed affair at the end of the driveway!  Now what?!

Then I saw a beautiful yellow lab running in the yard, not knowing who's dog it was but shortly a man was in the back speaking to my husband...and he was shoveling our driveway.  I opened the front door when he was on the porch to speak to him.  He was the next door neighbor's dad!

Have you ever encountered an obstacle you thought you had all figured out or something that you had no answer for?  This little act of kindness of shoveling our snow just this once gave me such a sense of hope that today will be OK!  I don't have to worry about tomorrow, it's only today!

What small act of kindness can each of us pass along today?  Shoveling, a phone call, a word of encouragement, a "care package," it could be anything.  This in itself can bring a sense of hope to anyone anywhere.  I'm going to try it.  I know how it feels, how about you?  

So, when the next "snowstorm" named Abigail or any other name comes into our life, where will a sense of hope be for us?  A better question, what can we do to pass along this hope to another? 

I am a spiritual director and am able to take appointments in either Two Rivers, or Crivitz, WI.  If you have had "snowstorms" in your life and have wondered how to get them shoveled, call for an appointment at: 920.793.3530.  To subscribe to my blog, scroll all the way down to insert your email or see: MollyLaFond.com

Dreams

I have sure have had some interesting dreams lately, which isn't new.  A good friend of mine readily tells me no one has "weirder" dreams than me. I often get out of bed to then inform my husband where I was last night!  Good thing he is hard of hearing, which, by the time he sort of hears me, he knows I didn't go anywhere through the night!  

So, I just ramble and tell him my often disconnected dreams that, in the end, just make for a good chuckle with which to start the day! Often, I'm real glad I woke up because the dream itself was goofy, even to me.

Do you listen to what your dreams may be trying to tell you?  I think there really is something in them that might be worth listening to.  My former spiritual director was very helpful when we processed my dreams, especially when I was going though some challenging times.  When defenses are so high during the day, dreams allow circumstances to come up using imagery that can speak to us, if we take the time to try and sort it all out. Some bring real hope, which this season preparing for Christmas is all about. 

Some folks find real peace especially when they encounter loved ones or pets who have died that come to them in a dream.  However, these encounters are much, much different than a dream because most of the time what is experienced can easily be remembered, whereas, a dream usually can't be. Once you have an encounter of a loved one, you know it. Often a message or feeling is communicated, which seems to be one of peace or reassurance. 

Maybe I bring this up at this time of year because of the holidays and how so many of my friends and acquaintances have lost someone to death in the recent weeks. Hearts have been torn open by death and it comes at a time of year when that loss will be acutely felt. 

It's amazing the number of people who have shared these situations with me over the years and talk freely about their experience.  They are very real experiences that simply need to be heard and validated. They are heartwarming to the person experiencing them. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

So, if by chance you have a dream that doesn't make sense to you, and by noon you can't remember it, well, join me in a most ordinary night of dreams.  But, if you do remember it and had a most wonderful encounter with someone you have loved and miss and remember every detail of this encounter, you are blessed especially if it brings a sense of hope that one day you will be with that person again.  Hold it close to your heart and treasure it.  That encounter may be a gift you will treasure for a lifetime!

If you experience an encounter you would like to share with a spiritual director, I have offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI and can be reached at 920.793.3530. You may also subscribe to my posts but scrolling all the way down or see my web at MollyLaFond.com

Gifts

Today I received a gift: a former co-worker messaged me informing me her dad had entered hospice, which means his life expectancy is weeks to months. She said if I was in the neighborhood to stop in to visit that he would love to see me.  I have known her dad for many years and was thrilled beyond belief to be informed and asked to visit. Amazingly, I have thought of him many times over the past months just never pausing long enough to go visit until now.  

There have been times that I have thought of a person "promising" myself that I would call and visit.  Then procrastination set in only to see that person's obituary in the paper.  I don't know why I don't honor my thoughts at the time; maybe it's only human, too. 

Yes, I can claim that time is precious but really, it may be something deeper. Is it my need to visit, to receive accolades? Or am I doing it out of love?  Lately, I have been trying to honor that small, still voice inside me when the urge to call or visit prompts me.  I really believe it is a higher power speaking to me. 

There are times when I really don't know what I should do.  Some times even a phone call is difficult because I am tempted to ask questions, which can become probing.  But, I am slowly beginning to realize there is a "gift" that has seemed to hit the mark in a very positive way. 

Recently I had the opportunity, after a lot of soul searching, to go to a visitation and funeral out of state, not informing the son, until I was an hour away.  He didn't know I was coming until a couple hours before I arrived but that whole weekend there, I never doubted for a minute that I had done the "next right thing."  With no extended family, friends held them up in support. Three of us classmates were "family" for him and his brother since there was no extended family at all. 

I had wanted to call another friend earlier, too, but didn't know how to even begin the conversation because her husband was deteriorating and expected to die.  All I said when she answered was "I have been thinking of you so thought I'd call."  And then I shut up!  She proceeded to do all the talking about what she wanted to tell me...a very simple thing.  When I'm quiet, others talk...amazing! Easy!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Our gifts of time, presence and silence may be huge for those who have everything material but they may wonder if they matter or if they are loved. Wrapping these gifts with unhurried time is all the wrapping that's necessary. Hug 'em, hang around and hush is all we need to do. With the gift-giving season upon us, maybe this little post will offer some assistance to you when you wonder, "What gift shall I give?" 

If you would like to discuss various "gifts" in your life with a spiritual director, I can be reached at 920.793.3530 for an appointment. If you would like to visit my website, see: MollyLaFond.com

Clocks

Courtesy of Pixabay

Here in Wisconsin we turned our clocks back November 5, 2017 and don't turn them ahead until March 11, 2018. With the hand of the clock moving one hour backward a whole lot of darkness descended over the land and our lives. Not only on the clock but this waning light emphasizes other darkness in the world.We can look around us and darkness becomes obvious: local and world hunger, homelessness, international conflicts, to name a few. 

Contrast all of this with the Christmas hymn, "silent night...all is bright" as we Christians wait the brightest light, the true light, Jesus, on Christmas. After all, as the saying goes, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."

The reality of light and dark begs the question: "how do each of us bring light into dark situations in our own day and life?"  Some folks work to eliminate darkness by volunteering in food banks, or delivering meals on wheels.  Some also work in homeless shelters or Vincent de Paul or Habitat For Humanity stores.  This love for those in need creates a place for dignity for the less fortunate. 

No matter our situation each of us can bring light into others' lives.  I remember my aunt, in her nineties, when the most she could do was to smile and express appreciation to nursing staff caring for her.  When I asked her about this simplest gesture she gently said, "I just try to be kind to everyone." 

So, how do each of us shine like stars, bringing God's light to others we encounter each day? We can be assured that darkness will not overcome the light.  And just like clock work, our clocks spring ahead in just a few months with Daylight Savings time once again!!

How we encounter light and darkness in our own lives is just one area of conversation that can be brought into a spiritual direction session.  I have openings during the holidays if you would like an appointment.  Call: 920.793.3530. To subscribe to my blog, see: MollyLaFond.com

November 23, 2017

From the Old Farmer's Almanac 2018, "Thanksgiving Day, as we know it today, began in the early 1600s when settlers in both Massachusetts and Virginia came together to give thanks for their survival, for the fertility of their fields, and for their faith." 

Courtesy of Pixabay

A friend of mine called the other day to simply say that Thanksgiving is about "thanks" and "giving."  Breaking the word down into two words certainly makes sense to me. 

November 23, 2017 many of us will gather with family and friends and many will go to a church service to give thanks. Consider using this day to express out loud those things you indeed are thankful for. Maybe it is your survival, maybe too the fertility of your fields, and hopefully your faith. And, along with giving thanks, what can and will we give to others, our community and our loved ones.  

I am very thankful for all my family and friends. I hope to make some calls to connect with those I have not talked with for a while, just to let them know I'm thinking of them.  This is a perfect way to "reach out and touch someone" as the old phone ad of many years ago used to say! 

Happy Thanks...giving to all my family and friends! 

If you would like to make an appointment with me for spiritual direction, I can be reached at 920.793.3530. Or to subscribe to my blog, see: MollyLaFond.com

Ave Maria

Courtesy of Wikepedia

During my trip to Florida for "siblings' week" a twist of fate found us at a very interesting town and college called "Ave Maria" which is south of Ft. Myers. The philosophy, culture, etc., are all quite interesting.  The cathedral is quite an architectural beauty.

The five of us "kids" went into the cathedral, admiring the beauty inside.  As we left, just about in the car, someone said that it was just about time that the rosary was going to be prayed inside.  Amazingly, we all turned right around, went back inside and joined in the rosary.  My brother made a comment saying, "someone needs our prayers!"  Had we had enough time, we would  have stayed for the Divine Mercy Chaplet since it was 3 p.m. but we had other obligations awaiting us back home. 

Now, I don't know about you, but in much earlier years, to think five siblings would be so in accord with one another would have been unheard of!  In fact, whoever might have encouraged the others to go back to say the rosary might have gotten ostracized for such a comment, making fun of such a thing!  

It was amazing to me the changes that each of us have gone through, for the better, that have deepened our spiritual lives.  It's amazing what struggles, hardships, losses and challenges do to others that really can bring them to a deeper faith and relationship with God. I believe we each have been kinder to one another, more respectful, more compassionate and loving.  

Yes, sometimes it takes losing a couple of siblings, along with illnesses, to knock some sense into us realizing anything can happen to one of the rest of us at any time.  This little "detour" to such a beautiful town and church was one of those highlights in my trip, as well as how we all prayed for "someone who needed our prayers!"  God knew who it was and we were in the right place at the right time to pray for them!  God bless you, whoever it was!

If you would like a spiritual companion in order to share how you were "in the right place at the right time" call me at: 920.793.3530 in order to make an appointment for spiritual direction.  If you would like to subscribe to my blog, see: MollyLaFond.com

Pockets

Bet you're wondering where this title will go?  Hope it's interesting!  Here goes.  Five of us siblings just returned from a week long "Siblings' Week" at my brother's in Florida.  Fortunately I sat next to the window on one of the legs of the flight and observed the cloud formation below. Intermittently, there were broken areas in the cloud and could see land below the clouds. All of a sudden, it came to me, "pockets!" Pockets...all sorts of pockets! 

The entire week I was aware of many different types of pockets.  Driving south in the middle of the week we drove through some torrential rain.  I even asked if we should abort our plans for the trip but my brother said usually the bad weather clears up and it actually could be sunny.  Well, that's exactly what happened. This was just a "pocket" of rain! Trust and patience in his words worked. No rain ruined our trip!

Originally our trip to Florida was cause for concern especially with hurricane Irma that went through a month ago.  As the locals explained how bad it was they referred to "Irmageddon" in their every day challenges. That brought lots of deep pockets, and it continues, of devastation, frustration and upheaval most of us have never encountered. I really can't imagine! 

Courtesy of Pixabay

As the plane trip continued, when I couldn't see land below me in any breaks of the clouds, way in the distance I saw the beautiful blue sky above.  No clouds at all.  All I could think of was how life is often like my plane ride. The calm pilot helped us to know there would be turbulence because of high winds but staying buckled in our seats would help.  Sometimes I need a plane trip to see the bigger picture and to ponder how important the pilot is.

This flight helped me to realize that even though there are oodles of "pockets" in life, these pockets are not the whole picture. So, when any situation in our life feels like the end of the world, our personal "Irmageddon", or with turbulence, what plane or "tool" or strength or moral fiber do each of us resort to when our trip gets overcast, cloudy, bumpy or challenging? Who is the "pilot" guiding this trip?

So, every time I see a pocket, it becomes much more to me than a cloth addition in my jeans.  I now think of all the pockets of life that face us each day and know not to live in the pocket and that there is certainly more to our day than what is presently challenging us.  Our own "Irmageddons" will not last forever! Bigger pockets of peace and calm await us if we listen to the Pilot! 

Spiritual direction is the perfect arena to share all your "pockets" with a spiritual companion.  If you are interested, please call me at 920.793.3530. To subscribe to my posts, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page and follow the directions or see MollyLaFond.com for the web page.

Acceptance

If you read my last post (if not, please do) you will read that I asked to be reminded of the word "acceptance."  Anyone in recovery knows this following quotation, almost as a code to live by and can readily site page and volume. It is something for all of us, so I share it here. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

"And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation -- some fact of my life -- unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes." 

From "Alcoholics Anonymous" Volume 4, pg. 417

Different

Have you ever had a loss or transition or change in your life that you have had to adjust to and found yourself saying that this now is a new "different?"  Well, I spent a couple of days with some friends who had moved and she and her husband couldn't have been more hospitable. They are on a large, beautiful lake, with great sites and fishing! 

In a note she sent me afterward she acknowledged that even though our time together was nice, it was "different" and that she was still adjusting to all the "different."  It really doesn't matter what the event is that caused the transition but it could be a death, a job or a move...it could be anything major but things are "not like they used to be!" 

I don't know about you but I don't like changes and there's not a thing that can be done when they hit us in the face.  Many are completely out of our control, like my friends moving which changed many things for them and me!

Photo from Pixabay

Have you ever wanted to pout, complain or grump because of it? Have you ever experienced miserable times, missing the gorgeous sunsets of life right in front of you?  Or have you decided to have as positive an attitude as possible through the adjustments, knowing this attitude will carry further than a negative one?  

The ultimate consolation sometimes is as simple as saying out loud, "I'm adjusting to 'different' too!" It always helps to know we're not alone in this world and to share the same sentiments; this gives great comfort!  Remind me to share about acceptance next time! 

There are times in life that occur that we might like to have a spiritual companion on our journey.  If you would like to make an appointment with a spiritual director, call me at 920.793.3530.  If you would like to subscribe to my blog, scroll all the way down and put in your email address.  You can see my entire website at: MollyLaFond.com

Friends

From Pixabay

Have you ever felt really loved?  Well, this past weekend a friend of 50 years came up from Ohio and stayed here over the weekend. We did very little except "hang out", catch up and laugh.  Oh, we went out to lunch with friends Saturday, which was special, too, but, other than that, just stayed home. 

We both realize that with her poor health we both need to take whatever opportunities that present themselves to share our thoughts, feelings and love without hesitation.  We really keep very little, if anything, from each other.  We both realize our words, whatever they are, are based on the deep love we have for each other.  Sometimes we are very honest and frank with our words. 

A few years ago I asked her if we had ever had a fight all the years we have been friends.  "Once, she said, when we were camping and you said the spatula was yours and it was mine!"  We  both laughed because when we were eighteen we camped and she always brought the kitchen stuff; I brought the boat and fishing stuff.  We still laugh about it today. 

She left on her return trip home today and all I have thought about since is how loved I feel in our friendship. Often friends, even relatives, hesitate to be so open and honest in a relationship with one another. I am so blessed to be so loved.  I am so blessed to have someone for all these years that accepts all my quirks and foibles the way she does.

This filial or agape love is so freeing especially when there are no desires or expectations, and our love accepts the other and believes in the greater good.  Have you ever had a friend this special?  Have you ever been that special friend to someone.  What a wonderful feeling of being so loved!  

I am a spiritual director. If you would like to subscribe to my blog, scroll all the way down and fill in the email so this can go into your mailbox. If you would like to contact me for an appointment, call 920.793.3530.

Worth Reading!

Written and posted by: John C. Dorhauer

I am fast losing the capacity to mourn all that we must mourn. Charlottesville becomes Houston becomes Florida becomes Puerto Rico becomes Las Vegas. Every lost life is a name, a history, a hope, a story - an unfulfilled future. Every lost life leaves behind loved ones who mourn and grieve and piece together a future of their own torn asunder by matters we cannot comprehend. I can't find words to capture this pain, this collective grief and anger. I cannot reach deep enough into my soul to express fully the pain, the anger, the rage, the confusion, the anxiety, the emptiness. When will it end? And what must I do, must I do, must I do to respond with meaning, with purpose, with intent so that whatever hope we talk about on the other side of this is not vapid and vain? I feel utterly powerless. God help us all. Inspire imagination. Inspire hope. Inspire healing. Inspire resistance. Inspire something new and something bold and something grand. This cannot be our ongoing narrative. We have to want something better than this. Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.


This was on Facebook, written by John C. Dorhauer. It expresses so many sentiments that many of us share and I hope this makes its way across nations, not just local areas.  Please forward and share this.  Each one of needs to find peace on this earth and "let it begin with me."  God bless each and every one of you! Thank you, John, for posting this! 

The Bus

This past week I saw a sign on a church board for a Sunday sermon titled "When you drive the bus". September has been a very busy month for me and there have been times that I have been "driving my own bus"; of course, things have gone haywire.  People, places and situations have been derailed because of my own driving!  My road has had many treacherous places, hairpin curves and lots of areas close to the edge of the road with overlooking deep valleys and ravines!  Ever have a month like that? 

Picture
 by Pixabay

Well, I have been thinking about this "bus".  A few years ago my husband and I went to the Black Hills and drove the Needles Highway. If you have ever been there you know what I mean!  It was such a hair-raising drive sometimes I thought walking may be too fast a means of travel on it!  It offered many sights and experiences but not the first place I'd want to repeat too often! 

Life is often like the Needles Highway! But what do we do when we find ourselves on a road like this? We knew the road could not handle "big rigs" that were too long or fast speeds. Often the slowest speed felt too fast and we needed to stay focused on the driving! 

Today, I still would rather drive my own bus but daily I try to let God do the driving. I have to consciously move over and ask Him to take the wheel. On the Needles Highway, I did the driving and that worked but life otherwise can be even worse than the Needles so I would rather let Someone else be in the driver's seat; I must trust that Driver, though!  It's still scarey, nerve-wracking, but still offers exciting scenery and views of life! 

It's nice to have others to share this journey with: family, friends, spiritual director, God and others. There are many who are there to share our journey with, if they know you want them along! This support helps everything go better. 
So, who is driving your bus? How is the trip when you drive the bus?  How is it when Someone else drives?  

I am a spiritual director and can offer appointments in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI.  If you would like to share how your "bus ride" of life has been going, call me at: 920.793.3530.  To subscribe to this blog, scroll all the way down and put in your email address to you can be notified when I enter a new post. You may view my blog at: MollyLaFond.com

A Cup of Coffee

Have you ever had plans for your day or week and when you got up in the morning planned to head "north" but other situations, not able to be controlled, turned your life and your plans "south" instead? Well, that happened to me recently.  The weather was the best it has been all summer and I was heading to stain our deck which was half done...but I sat in the hospital with a relative for four days instead!

Wondering whether I would accomplish my staining task was almost like watching to see which path hurricane Irma would take: east or west.  And there was not a darned thing I could do about it but wait the situation out.  So, I sat, prayed, and waited...and waited, while I watched the weather channel and at the end of the four days, the prediction was a continuation of wonderful weather!  So, as soon as the hospital discharge occurred, we went north to finish the task of staining!

There was no way it would do me any good to fret, get excited or bent out of shape; there was absolutely nothing I could do about my circumstances but I did have a choice about my inner peace and whether or not I would maintain it or lose it over stuff that was beyond me. Oh, I prayed alright.  I had several heart to heart "talks" with God and other folks were praying, too.  I knew others were concerned, obvious by phone calls from family and friends. 

You know, we always have "options".  Some of the options in life are not easy but I ask myself, "what kind of a person do I want to be as I make my decisions?"  Patience, kindness, compassion, etc. etc. What will it be?  It's up to each of us in our trials and tribulations. It's like a cup of coffee; do I want to become bitter or better with time? 


So, if you find your circumstances, whatever they may be, have gone "south" instead of "north" will you be proud of the person you were at the end of the day?  We each have that choice. Oh, yes we do!

Like making a good cup of coffee, how long are we going to "brew" over things we have no control over? Brew too long, all heated up, our cup turns bitter, it  loses its tasty qualities.  Others around us will certainly experience that bitterness in us too! Yes, we do have a choice of becoming a better person, rather than a bitter one!  I don't want to be like that cup of  coffee. Do you?

If you would like to make an appointment with me to discuss your ups and downs in life in spiritual direction, contact me at: 920.793.3530. Or to contact me, see my Webpage at MollyLaFond.com

The Eye

This past couple of weeks hurricanes Harvey and Irma have mesmerized me and has monopolized the air waves with warnings, one after another. I find myself glued to the TV and of course, very concerned for those friends and relatives who live in those affected areas of Texas and Florida. 

The eye of hurricanes has intrigued me for some years now. The calm of this "eye" is often misread because the winds around the "eye" become a grave threat, a big problem to those in the path...sustained winds, water surges, tornadoes, followed by massive destruction to everything in its path.  All is in peril. The eye of the hurricane can be deceiving.

Bringing this to a personal level, what do each of us do when we are caught in our own "hurricanes" of life--those situations that could knock us off our trolley, that threaten us emotionally, physically and spiritually?  It certainly takes personal work to not "lose it", including succumbing to despair and suicide.

What practices do we resort to to help keep us centered. Positive self-talk helps, staying in the present moment, staying calm, a sense of humor,  having contingency plans and prayer helps. Spiritual practices are very beneficial. 

How can each of us have our hurricanes of life, be in the midst of them, yet find our "eye" of calm, without getting destroyed by the situation?  It is possible. This is an inside job, not something another person can "fix" for us.

We must look within ourselves for that resolve. Finding our personal center, our "eye" can get us through our storms if we depend on a deeper force, a divine strength to assist us. Things may change, even death, but facing them can be much easier when we live in the eye of our storms rather in the winds! Think about it!

I am a spiritual director and if you would like to make an appointment with me to talk about your struggle in finding the "eye" of your hurricanes of life, call me at 920.793.3530. If you would like to subscribe to my blog, scroll down and fill in the bottom area. To contact me see: MollyLaFond.com

The Starfish

The other day, while watching more news on the devastation of hurricane Harvey my heart was so saddened that I had such limited resources, wishing I could do more. My cousin's family is in Houston and they had to evacuate to higher ground.  I know there are many places accepting donations; there is no amount too small!  

After  hurricane Katrina hit the Biloxi/Guilfport area some years ago I did go on two mission trips there to help. I saw the aftermath, physically and emotionally, first hand. My heart still aches with memories of what I heard and saw. 

Starfish

I think of the story of the young man who was tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean, when a passerby asked why, when there were so many. He replied, "It made a difference for that one." So, now my thinking is changing.  I ask myself, how can just one act of kindness help the cause? 

There are so many ways.  I found myself calling my cousin's sister in law inquiring about the family's safety, since their phone service was knocked out.  I encouraged my cousin's daughter on Facebook of all the hard work she was doing. And yes, monetary donations are being sent too!

We are never helpless, even in disasters.  I think of all the individuals who got their own boats out, assisting the stranded folks, rather than just waiting for the government to come and then there is J.J. Watt who has raised millions to help. Lots of good in small and huge ways! 

I hope YOU will help in whatever way you can.  There is a lot of good in this world, no matter the color of skin, creed or nationality.  Prayers are wonderful, but then we must put our love into action.  If each one of us tossed a stranded starfish back into the ocean like the story went, we could "make a difference" to someone! What act of kindness will each of us act upon? Think about it!

I am a spiritual director. If you would like a companion to share how hurricane Harvey has impacted your life, call for an appointment at: 920.793.3530 or to visit my web site see: MollyLaFond.com

Power of One

I'm not the only one who watches the news, wondering if there's anything positive taking place between the United States and Korea. Every day situations seem to go from bad to worse.  This morning, while at daily mass, I was awed by the number of parishioners there.  There must have been at least 70 people present. That got me to thinking of the "power of one."

I know I should have been more present to the readings during Mass but all I could think of was that if a nuclear war were to occur, how would people act differently in an attempt to deal with their spiritual life. I have often pondered that question for myself. What would I do differently.  I know I have certainly been praying more directly imploring God to guide me in living a good life but when individuals don't pray themselves, what would happen if each one of us begins praying for others in need, specifically our government officials. 

What will it take to divert war? What will it take for hardened hearts to be guided by God instead of greed and power? I don't know what it will take.  I don't know if our governments know what it will take, and using nuclear force seems just a tad destructive, sarcasm intended.

Rather than wring our hands in a futile way, I know how strong prayer can be.  Yes, many of you are of different religious faiths; many profess no religious faith but believe in Karma, a good orderly direction, and positive thoughts. So, I am writing this little post asking you to consider asking this along to your friends.  My stats say my posts have reached all around the world, which is amazing.  I am only one person as are you but each one of us has connections and those reach around the world. 

So, while our government officials are doing what they can, even behind the scenes, I propose we begin to earnestly, consciously, intently and very directly pray, send positive thoughts to our Creator, God, to inspire our world leaders on creative ways to solve this crisis, in a peaceful rather than destructive way.  

We are not isolated entities in this world any longer so would you kindly forward this on to your family and friends.  Maybe we, as human beings, not politicians, just ordinary, everyday folks, have more power than what we realize.  And, if we really believe in God's grace, his goodness and love for us, maybe a huge miracle will occur and war might be diverted.  We have a lot to lose, everything to gain.  

Thank you, each one of you!  This is not a "feel good" request.  Lives depend on each one of us to bring peace to this world, not war. Please say a prayer for our political leaders, then pass this post forward. Remember, the power of one!

Thundershirt

Last week there were storms in the air with lots of thunder and lightning; my cat, Pepper is terrorized by the least little noise.  I discovered the "Thundershirt" for cats so I put it on her to calm her down.  I would never have believed how effective it would be.  For weeks, her legs were "broken" in her eyes and she would be paralyzed in one spot; that has improved. At least she moves now!  Last week she must have needed my reassurance, however, because she sat and cuddled on my lap for an hour and a half! 

During this time of just holding her I thought of many things but one thing that popped into my mind was a phrase an acquaintance told me many years ago when I told her my brother in law was having heart surgery.  He had not graced the inside of a church in at least a hundred years and if he would have died during surgery, how could he make it to heaven???  What theological ideas I held many years ago!  Thank goodness I don't think that way now!  

My friend, when hearing my concerns, simply said, "Just love him!"  I looked at her bewildered, not knowing HOW to just love him.  I thought of sneaking the priest in under cover of darkness, waving some sacramental magic wand over him while he was sleeping would be the best "love" that he certainly needed!  "Just love him" she repeated, followed by, "no words, no actions, nothing...just love him." 

Then I remembered a priest friend sharing how an older, senior priest had told him that when he went to visit a dying friend who was in bed, unable to speak, he didn't know what to do.  He did hold her hand but how useless he felt not being able to "do" anything. He repeated, "I just held her hand."  The younger priest simply smiled and said, "yes!"

Today, I drove a neighbor to a town about an hour away for a very serious appointment. When she got into the car she shared her thoughts and emotions at what she heard in the appointment.  There was quite a period of time I just sat and listened, not even starting the car yet, while she talked and cried.  

Getting back to my brother in law.  Over time he eventually went to a nursing home and decided to stay there instead of going back home.  A deacon friend, when he did communion rounds there, would go visit Howard and asked if he wanted communion, but always was met with "no".  An amazing thing occurred after quite a bit of time as family and friends continued to "just love him;" he changed his mind and asked to talk with a priest.  This change of heart was an amazing thing to see but it certainly was not on my time-line, but God's.

Sleeping Cat

I often have to step back at situations and ask myself, "who's in charge here, Molly?" Sometimes I am so hell-bent-for-election on my time-line that I forget who really is in charge! So, when I have Pepper on my lap, sound asleep with her Thundershirt on and I think I am wasting time "doing nothing" I guess it really is OK to "just love her" for a while and let God love me at the same time while we do nothing during the storms of life! 

Maybe "just loving him", with no words, no expectations or anything else was like a Thundershirt for my brother in law that allowed him to know that God's love was with him no matter what.  After all, God really does know what He's doing!

Feel free to share this post with your friends and family!  If you would like to make an appointment to discuss how challenging to "just love" someone is and want to do spiritual direction with me, I can be reached at 920.793.3530. To follow my blog see:MollyLaFond.com

Turkey Crossing!

On my way home at the edge of town today a sight just tickled my heart!  I was on a county road, traffic was stopped both ways; I craned my head to see what was happening and up ahead there was a family of turkeys (2 adults and LOTS of babies) crossing the road.  It was the cutest thing to see!  No horns honking, no one rushing the little family, just patience! 

Yes, to some this may simply be a bunch of turkeys crossing the road but I smiled because just last night my sister said to me, "Molly, when I see ducks crossing the road I only see ducks crossing the road; you see a story!!"  Well, I certainly saw the "story" in this event. 

Let me share what struck me when I saw this family of turkeys. Not that they should hurry and get across because of the danger of it all...no, the words that came to my heart were, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I thought of times when I have not been patient with others, or when someone was not patient with me, times when another criticizes or makes fun of a person for not quite doing the task the way another thinks it should have been done, for impatience and intolerance of anything! What was happening ahead was a real life picture worth a thousand words! 

So, yes, stopping for these cute little turkeys certainly gave me pause to see a bigger picture in this encounter and yes, hopefully, a good story!  Maybe these times that we are at a pause in our day our Creator can speak to our heart much more poignantly than a direct "sermon on the mount." So, next time a clutch of turkeys, ducks or even cattle crosses our path, what will we see?  A bunch of animals crossing or an inspiring story? Hopefully, this little story has been inspiring and it didn't even take a thousand words!!

Won't you try and put a smile on someone's face and share this little story with them??

I am a spiritual director and would love to hear about your inspiring "stories."  If you would like to make an appointment for spiritual direction, call 920.793.3530. I have offices in Two Rivers and Crivitz, WI. If you would like to follow my posts on my blog see: MollyLaFond.com

Stuff

Recently I had our entire carpet professionally cleaned.  It was quite a task to put all the furniture on sliders, move things and get ready to have it done, then afterward getting the fans and dehumidifier up from the basement to hasten the drying. As the carpet guy was getting all his equipment gathered to leave, he mentioned that I had a lot of "stuff" to move. 

"Stuff"

Yes, I heard it..."a lot of stuff"!  Well, it didn't take long for me to realize and agree with this assessment!  I did a quick survey and in short order had some things gathered in a spare room in order to donate to a good cause.  That process is continuing and I am giving myself permission to take as long as I need, but to keep at it!

That brings me to a more personal level.  What "stuff" must each of us deal with in our spirits, our personal life, our prayer life, etc. etc.?  What character defects are still ruling our life that would be best to get in touch with and ask God's help in lifting them from our behavours?   Sometimes this "stuff" is not obvious until another person points them out to us, maybe even in a casual conversation. Rough times in life, relationship upsets, death of a loved one or pet can be a very painful spot but the silver lining may bring to light unexpected realities that in the end proved to be a good thing.

Sometimes it happens in the process of clearing the "stuff" out, more "stuff" is found. Now I see dusting that has been neglected in spots.  Oh well, I bet I'm not alone?  Anyone else ever discover that it was time to deal with lots of "stuff" in life?  If we don't take time to deal with it, perhaps time will take us!  

If you would like to make an appointment with me to discuss your "stuff" with, call 920.793.3530 or to view my blog see: MollyLaFond.com  You may also contact me through that blog. I am a spiritual director with offices in either Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI.